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Sarclisa (isatuximab-irfc) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with multiple myeloma. It is used with other medicines in certain approved treatment settings.
These insights are based on 125 comments about Sarclisa from MyMyelomaTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Sarclisa works by attaching to a protein called CD38 found on myeloma cells. This helps the immune system find and attack those cells. It can also directly trigger myeloma cells to die.
Together, these actions may help slow the growth of the cancer and reduce the number of myeloma cells in the body.
Doctors prescribe Sarclisa in combination with other cancer treatments for people with multiple myeloma.
Sarclisa is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, which means it is put into a vein by a healthcare professional.
Sarclisa is given once a week at first, then every two weeks, and later every four weeks, depending on the combination treatment plan used for the condition.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
These insights are based on 125 comments about Sarclisa from MyMyelomaTeam members.Members who use Sarclisa often talk about balancing treatment with day-to-day life, while staying in close contact with their care team. Many say it helps to watch for side effects, keep up with lab monitoring, and plan ahead for the time and routine that infusions can require.
Tell your doctor about blood count changes and infection concerns.
“I am currently on Sarclisa, dex, and Pomalyst. I am struggling with low white counts. The most frustrating thing for me is being immune compromised.”
Plan ahead for the infusion schedule and treatment days.
“It’s not so bad. It’s a three- to four-hour infusion, once a week for the first cycle, then every second week. So it’s very doable.”
Get blood work and monitoring when your doctor recommends it.
“Getting Sarclisa every two weeks, Pomalyst every day for 21 days, then seven days rest, and dexamethasone once a week — it’s working so far, but the oncologist and MM specialist are monitoring closely.”
Connect with others who understand life with multiple myeloma. Join MyMyelomaTeam for free.
In clinical studies of Sarclisa for multiple myeloma, it was used in people who were either newly diagnosed and could not have a stem cell transplant, or had disease that had come back or did not respond to earlier treatments.
Sarclisa is given in combination with other cancer medicines, depending on the treatment plan. The most common side effects occurred in at least 20 percent of people treated with Sarclisa in these combination treatments.
These include:
Sarclisa can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Sanofi, the manufacturer of Sarclisa, offers the CareASSIST Copay Program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0.
The CareASSIST Program also offers support from dedicated case managers who can help navigate insurance processes, discuss programs that may help cover medication costs, and provide personalized guidance and resources. To learn more, visit the Sarclisa payment support page or call 833-930-2273.
Before starting Sarclisa, your doctor will do blood type and screening tests.
You will receive medicines before each dose to help lower the risk of infusion reactions.
Sarclisa can affect some blood tests. It may cause a false-positive Coombs test and may affect tests used to track myeloma.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to isatuximab-irfc or any ingredients in Sarclisa.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Also let your doctor know if you have had recent infections, including shingles, or have had cancer in the past.
Do not take Sarclisa if you have had a serious allergic reaction to isatuximab-irfc or any of its ingredients.
Sarclisa is used in combination with other medications to treat people with multiple myeloma.
If you miss a dose, it should be given as soon as possible, and your schedule may be adjusted.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Sarclisa, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Sarclisa can harm a baby if used during pregnancy. Use birth control during treatment and for five months after your last dose.
Do not breastfeed during treatment with Sarclisa.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Sarclisa?
Sarclisa can help slow down multiple myeloma.
In one study, people who took Sarclisa with pomalidomide and dexamethasone lived about 11.53 months without their disease getting worse, compared with 6.47 months without Sarclisa.
In another study, people who took Sarclisa with carfilzomib and dexamethasone lived about 41.7 months without their disease getting worse, compared with 20.8 months without it.
For people who were newly diagnosed and could not have a stem cell transplant, the time before the disease got worse was longer with Sarclisa, but the exact number was not yet known.
How often is Sarclisa taken for multiple myeloma?
Sarclisa is given as an IV infusion by a healthcare provider. At first, it is given once a week, then every two weeks, and later every four weeks.
The exact dosing schedule depends on the combination treatment plan being used. Treatment continues until the disease gets worse or side effects are too hard to manage.
What tests or monitoring are needed during Sarclisa treatment for multiple myeloma?
Before starting Sarclisa, your doctor will do blood tests. A blood type test is needed because Sarclisa can affect blood matching. This effect can last for about six months after the last dose.
Blood counts will be checked during treatment because levels, including decreased hemoglobin, lymphocytes, neutrophils, platelets, and leukocytes, can go down. Sarclisa can also affect tests used to track myeloma.
On MyMyelomaTeam, people share their experiences with multiple myeloma, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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